By Elizabeth Oyeniwa
The Ondo State House of Assembly committee on Finance and Appropriation has assured of continued collaboration with financial institutions, stressing that their collective efforts would improve fiscal discipline, enhance revenue generation, and ensure timely passage of the budget.
The committee gave the assurance during a familiarization visit to critical financial agencies in the state, including the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, the Office of the State Accountant General, and the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS).
The committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, representing Owo Constituency I, said the visits were aimed at strengthening synergy, assessing budget performance, and ensuring accountability in the management of the state’s finances.
Other members of the committee on the tour included the Vice Chairman, Hon. Kolawole Ologede; Majority Leader, Hon. Olatunji Oshati; Minority Leader, Hon. Olajide Oguntodu; Hon. Oluwatoyin Japhet; Hon. Fatai Atere; and Hon. Tope Agbulu.
Speaking during the visit to the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Hon. Ogunmolasuyi said the oversight was part of the legislature’s responsibility to track budget performance and ensure due process.
“As a legislature, it is essential for us to follow up on budget implementation. Our committee will work closely with your ministry to achieve this goal. Our intention is to receive the 2026 budget on time, scrutinize it, and pass it into law before Christmas,” he said.
“Our responsibility as lawmakers is to ensure that every kobo counts in the service of the people.We will continue to support these institutions while also ensuring accountability and transparency in their operations”,the Lawmakers assured.
Members stressed that the House represents the collective interest of the people and would continue to collaborate with the ministry to enhance service delivery and economic development.
In his address, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Laolu Akindolire, welcomed the lawmakers and applauded their efforts. He noted that progress had been made on the 2025 budget mid-year appraisal.
“We are working on reordering the budget to prioritize essential projects and hope to achieve at least higher percentage of implementation by the end of the year,” Akindolire explained. He assured that preparations for the 2026 budget, due for submission by October 30, 2025, were already in top gear, with ongoing town hall meetings and stakeholder engagements.
At the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS), the lawmakers commended the agency’s role in boosting state revenue and pledged support to strengthen its operations.
Hon. Ogunmolasuyi emphasized the importance of revenue generation to effective governance, saying, “As an arm of government, our role is to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement. We recognize the critical role ODIRS plays in sustaining development and we are committed to partnering with you.”
Acting Chairman of ODIRS, Mr. Bayo Rojugbokan, reeled out activities and achievements of the Agency and thanked the legislators for their visit and support. He acknowledged the cordial relationship with the House and pledged continuous cooperation to drive revenue reforms.
Also ,at the Office of the State Accountant General, the committee highlighted the importance of transparency in financial management.
Hon. Ogunmolasuyi said: “We believe that all funds should be centralized and disbursed through your office. Proper accountability must be maintained.”
He added that future engagements with the office would focus on getting a clearer picture of the state’s financial position to guide legislative decisions.
The State Accountant General, Mr. Segun Orisabinone, in his remarks, thanked the lawmakers for their role. He said the office had successfully prepared and published the 2024 financial statement.
Orisabinone, assured that his team remained committed to prudent financial management in line with the governor’s directives and legislative oversight.
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